Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness

04/20/2026

New insights are here! We’re excited to release the new supplemental report to the Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey, created in partnership with InDependent. This report takes a closer look at the experiences of military and veteran spouse caregivers, parents, and those navigating loneliness. It highlights critical challenges related to mental health, financial stress, sleep, and social support and offers actionable insights to help strengthen military families. And these findings directly inform and guide our programming at Veteran Spouse Network.

View the supplemental report now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H04ZBHb0

04/15/2026

We’re excited to share that Dr. Kelley Glover—a postdoctoral fellow at the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, adjunct assistant professor within The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, and new Veteran Spouse Network Peer Leader—is leading a transformative workshop for military and veteran spouses this April 🎶

With over three decades of experience in music pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching, Dr. Glover brings a unique perspective to this two-part series. The workshop blends the science of sound with the art of storytelling, offering participants practical techniques to calm the nervous system and connect through shared musical experiences.

Join us on April 29 to explore wellness through music and storytelling! https://na2.hubs.ly/H04G-2r0

04/07/2026

How can we better support military spouses? Dr. Elisa Borah and Emily Neimeyer recently presented findings from the REACH Study at the U.S. Army Fort Hood Community Services Council. The presentation highlighted early outcomes showing improvements in quality of life, social support, and wellbeing among participating military spouses. Presented to senior leadership, including the Garrison Commander and Commanding General of III Armored Corps, the discussion emphasized the importance of turning research into actionable strategies to support military families. Together, we’re strengthening military families through research-driven solutions.

04/01/2026

April is Month of the Military Child! Military families are incredibly resilient, but parenting in a military family comes with unique challenges. From frequent moves to balancing caregiving and work, military parents often face added stress while raising children.

Our research shows that 76% of military spouses are parents, and many experience challenges with emotional and physical wellness, as well as finding community and support. These pressures can impact the entire family.

This Month of the Military Child, let’s celebrate the strength of military families and recognize the critical need to support their wellness 💜

03/30/2026

March is Professional Social Work Month, and at VSN, we’re proud to celebrate the transformative impact of social work in supporting military and veteran families.

Operating out of the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, we’re part of a broader effort rooted in advancing research, creating evidence-based programs, and fostering community well-being. Guided by these values, we design programs that foster trust, connection, and resilience, empowering families to overcome challenges and thrive.

It’s through the lens of social work that we improve quality of life, strengthen support networks, and create meaningful change for military and veteran families. This month, we honor the profession that continues to inspire and guide our work every day.

03/24/2026

Through our Veteran Spouse Network, we’re offering a NEW virtual, skills-focused training for individuals who have completed foundational su***de prevention training and are ready to advance their skillset. Through real-world scenarios, role-play, and coaching, you’ll build practical tools to turn your knowledge into action!

What you’ll gain:

✔️ Assess su***de risk using the Columbia-Su***de Severity Rating Scale
✔️ Create personalized safety plans with coping strategies and crisis resources
✔️ Respond with confidence using the Mental Health First Aid ALGEE Action Plan

📅 From Knowledge to Action: Responding to Su***de Risk upcoming dates:

April 16 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM CT
April 23 | 2:45–4:45 PM CT

Free, virtual, and open to all!

Register now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H03Zrpr0

03/16/2026

Parenting in a military-connected family can bring unique challenges, especially when navigating the effects of trauma and stress. Join the Veteran Spouse Network's virtual seminar on March 24 from 12:00–1:00 PM CT for expert insights and evidence-based solutions to strengthen family resilience.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Kathrine Sullivan, Associate Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, will share findings from her study on trauma and family dynamics in military families.

You'll learn:

🌟 The critical link between parental trauma, mental health, and child well-being
🌟 An introduction to Parenting-STAIR (PSTAIR), a trauma-informed intervention for military-connected mothers
🌟 Guidance on eligibility and referral processes for PSTAIR, available in-person (for Texans) and via telehealth

Free | Virtual | Open to all
Register now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H03ZrnS0

03/11/2026

The REACH Study reached a major milestone late last year, completing recruitment at Fort Hood. Since then, we’ve been focused on analyzing the data to better understand how peer support impacts the lives of military spouses.

📊 Early findings show 56% of participants shared that the most valuable aspects of the sessions were sharing experiences, having a sense of community, and feeling supported.

Stay tuned! The full report will be released later this year, offering deeper insights to guide future support for military families.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort! Your collaboration is driving meaningful change for military families 💙

03/04/2026

02/10/2026

We’re excited to be featured in the Winter 25–26 issue of Utopian by The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, highlighting Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness and Veteran Spouse Network and our work strengthening support for military and veteran families 📙 From peer support and su***de prevention to research-driven programs and national partnerships, our work focuses on translating research into real-world impact for military-connected communities.

Read our feature on pages 21–22 in the sneak peek:
https://na2.hubs.ly/H03yH-70

12/01/2025

📣 Austin creatives and digital marketers — we’re hiring!

Join the Veteran Spouse Network at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work:

📱 Lead social media and craft community-driven content
🎨 Design graphics & video that tell powerful stories
📰 Coordinate email newsletters and marketing
🤝 Support local outreach and community connections

If you’re passionate about storytelling, connection, and supporting military and veteran families, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H02hWXV0

11/18/2025

📢 We’re Hiring at Veteran Spouse Network!

We’re looking for a Senior Outreach Program Coordinator to help lead our communications and outreach efforts. What you’ll do:

📱 Manage VSN’s social media accounts and create engaging, mission-driven content
🎨 Design graphics, videos, and other creative materials
🗞️ Coordinate newsletters for partners and peer leaders
🤝 Support outreach and recruitment efforts across the Austin community
📈 Develop strategies to expand VSN’s reach and impact

If you’re passionate about storytelling, connection, and community support, we’d love to see your application!

Apply now: https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/UT-MAIN-CAMPUS/Senior-Outreach-Program-Coordinator---Veteran-Spouse-Network_R_00043171